The Gas station bomber
The only one of its kind in the world

This nationally acclaimed Gas Station Bomber; is an authentic replication 3D diorama depicting the late Art Lacey’s Gas Station Bomber, “The only one in the world”.  

Hugo Garcia, traveled from Annenberg, Texas to donate his nationally acclaimed, authentic replication of the historic Gas Station Bomber. 

Hugo Garcia initially saw photos of the Gas Station Bomber and stories that had gone viral, floating around on the internet. These stories inspired him to research the Gas Station Bomber as one of his projects for competition in the Diorama circuit. With National and world-wide reports, the saga of how the B-17 Bomber flew to Oregon has made headlines for years. 

These viral images spiked Hugo’s curiosity. He eventually connected, through an author who previously interviewed, the only child of the man who flew this B-17G to Oregon in 1947, Punky Lacey Scott. Through emails and photos, he began his research to build a one-of-a-kind historically authentic diorama model of this Oregon Legend and Icon.

“When you build a model, you get to know its history that is what makes it come to life” stated Hugo. 

Now this seven-time award winning Gas Station Bomber Diorama is featured in the B-17 Alliance Museum at the historic Salem McNary Airfield.

Step back into an era, when you stopped to “Fill er’ up” and the gas station tenants washed your windows and checked your oil. People gathered at “Service Stations” to find their way, get community support and even meet friends. Conveniences at the station during this era included a cigarette machine, coke machine and even a pin ball machine for entertainment. During Hugo’s journey to research the history of this iconic treasure he was able to recreate an exact emblem for the Gas Station Bomber. 

This is all a part of the family story behind the Gas Station Bomber. 

Punky Lacey Scott lived and worked at the Bomber Gas Station (read Lacy Lady’s history). Many people lived at their business during this era.  The Lacey family had a 16-foot travel trailer on property that served as their home while managing the Gas Station. Punky remembers learning to count money at 5 years of age and standing on a box to reach and clean the windshield of customers. She is pictured in the famous historical “Gas Station Bomber” photo that has been seen around the world with the crew in white coveralls. Punky is the second one in from the left in the front row, next her mother Birdine Lacey and directly behind Birdine is Art Lacey. 

This 3D diorama of Art Lacey Bomber Station “the only one in the world” shares culture from an era, of entrepreneurship and a pioneering spirit of a bygone era.

 The Mission of B-17 Alliance is to Honor the American Spirit.  This spirit is represented in our Veterans, the Greatest Generation, our pioneers and the entrepreneur spirit that built the country we all love so much. 

Art Lacey’s Bomber Gas Station was the beginning of this journey.  He set the standards for work ethics that taught 3 generations of our family to lead others to Triumph.  It is with a historical presence and a love of country that B-17 Alliance Museum presents this exhibit for our guests enjoyment. 

Visit the B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar: 971-803-2428 

Open Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm